Fertility Program
Fertility Program
Infertility is a common problem among men with spinal cord injury. Among spinal cord injured males, more than 90% are infertile. The major cause of infertility is ejaculation failure.
In the past, little could be done to treat these problems. Over the last 10 year period, much research has been completed on the subject.
One of the most important developments of this research have been techniques of induced ejaculation using electro-ejaculation which electrically stimulates nerves causing ejaculation or a special vibrator which can often be effective.
Techniques have recently improved in this field to permit widespread use and success among couples with ejaculation failure.
The first recorded birth using this technique in the United States was in 1987. Since then, use of the techniques of induced ejaculation have spread quickly.
Never before available in Atlantic Canada, 1994 saw the partnership of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia), Rick Hansen Man In Motion Legacy Fund, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and the IWK-Grace Health Centre to bring this technique to use in Nova Scotia.
The induced ejaculation techniques benefit not only spinal cord injured men who wish to father children, but also other persons with ejaculation problems. The technique benefits men with:
The clinical aspect of the program is carried out at the Camp Hill Hospital building of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax and the inseminations are performed a few blocks away at the Grace Maternity Hospital.
What Is Involved
Electro-ejaculation is a simple procedure which involves inserting a specially designed probe into the rectum adjacent to the prostate gland. Using a low-level current, electrical stimulation is applied to the tissues and nerves adjacent to the prostrate and seminal vesicle, usually resulting in ejaculation. Often, vibratory stimulation of the penis alone can be effective, especially if the cord injury is above T10 or incomplete.
In cases where electro-ejaculation occurs, the sperm can be inseminated at the time of ovulation.
How Does Referral Occur
In order to be involved in this program an individual must be referred by their family physician to:
Dr. John Grantmyre
For Information
For information on spinal cord injury and/or this technique, please contact:
Canadian Paraplegic Association
About Rick Hansen
Richard (Rick) M. Hansen was born on August 26, 1957 in Port. Alberni, British Columbia. On June 17, 1973 at the age of 15, Rick was thrown from the back of a pick-up truck while hitch-hiking. The accident left him a paraplegic.
Rick became an accomplished wheelchair athlete with many wheelchair marathon championships. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1985
with a Bachelor of Physical Education.
Inspired by the friendship and memory of Terry Fox, he decided to wheel the ultimate marathon - The World Tour.
Rick's journey lasted two years and created a worldwide awareness of ability. It also created the legacy of a fund to support spinal cord injury research, rehabilitation, sports and awareness.
A portion of these funds were used to support this male fertility program.
Where Is the Program is Located
5991 Spring Garden Road - Suite 332
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1Y6
Tel: (902) 420-0044
Fax: (902) 420-0240
(Nova Scotia)
Suite S-21 West End Mall
6960 Mumford Road
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
Tel: (902) 423-1277
TDD: (902) 425-8326
Fax: (902) 492-1213
Toll Free (Nova Scotia Only) 1-800-889-1889
Email: halifax@canparaplegic.org
Supported by
Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre
Technical Resource Centre